Joshua 22:31

Authorized King James Version

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

פִּֽינְחָ֣ס

H6372

And Phinehas

pinechas, the name of three israelites

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and to the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶלְעָזָ֣ר

H499

of Eleazar

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֡ן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and to the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְאוּבֵ֨ן

H7205

of Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and to the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

גָ֜ד

H1410

of Gad

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

#12

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and to the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#15

הַיּ֤וֹם׀

H3117

This day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#16

יָדַ֙עְנוּ֙

H3045

we perceive

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#17

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

בְתוֹכֵ֣נוּ

H8432

is among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#19

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

against the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#20

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#21

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

מְעַלְתֶּ֥ם

H4603

us because ye have not committed

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

#23

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

against the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#24

הַמַּ֣עַל

H4604

this trespass

treachery, i.e., sin

#25

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#26

אָ֗ז

H227

now

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

#27

הִצַּלְתֶּ֛ם

H5337

ye have delivered

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

#28

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#29

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

and to the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#30

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#31

מִיַּ֥ד

H3027

out of the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#32

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

against the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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